Top ten places to visit this May Bank Holiday
It's Bank Holiday time again and if you're struggling for what to do, here's a pick of some of the things locally to keep you and the kids entertained, hopefully with a bit of sunshine thrown in as well.
Sun 5 - Mon 6 May: 10am-5pm
Go and have a look at the birthplace of industry and dive into the varied history Ironbridge offers. This event allows you to see Victoria Town's smaller steam machines in full working order with a variety of visiting engines. The weekend also allows visitors to chat to townsfolk in their shops and cottages, find out about curious remedies in the Pharmacy, see traditional skills in action at the printers, candle makers and decorative plasterers and join in a sing-a-long in the New Inn Pub.
www.ironbridge.org.uk/our-attractions/blists-hill-victorian-town
2. Witley Court and Gardens Children's Festival
Sat 4- Mon 6 May: 11am-5pm
Travel back in time to discover characters from the past at this English Heritage event. Children have the chance to become joyful jesters by learning circus skills and fearless knights in the have-a-go junior jousting. The festival also offers puppet shows, face painting and workshops to keep children entertained throughout the day.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/witley-court-and-gardens
3. Ludlow Castle family fun day
Mon 6 May: 10am-4.30pm
The castle and its history come to life with a number of activities including storytelling and guided tours. The living village is brimming with medieval characters, with 'Lady Caroline' talking about all walks of life that lived in the castle back in the Middle Ages.
4. Cadbury World pirate weekend
Sat 4 – Mon 6 May 9.30am-4pm
Cadbury World will be invaded by swashbuckling pirates with shipmates dressing up. Some lucky visiting buccaneers will have the chance to win the coveted long lost treasure at the best-dressed pirate competition held each day. The restaurant will be serving sea faring grub as well as offering activities such as a treasure hunt to keep scallywags on their toes.
5. Dancexchange 'Deep in the Woods' workshop
Mon 6 May: 11am-11.45am and 12.30pm-1.15pm (pre-book only)
Designed for ages 2-5, this workshop explores an imaginary forest. Whilst crawling through bushes and jumping over puddles a dancer from 'Deep in the Woods' will teach children how to do a handstand and create a human forest. The children will focus on leaning, standing, and balancing in a social environment also creating an enchanted woodland with craft materials.
6. Bridgnorth May Fair
Mon 6 May: 10am-4pm
The annual May Fair is the first High Street event of the year; situated in the middle of Bridgnorth's High Town, it is something for all the family including food, crafts, plants, music and children's activities.
www.bridgnorthguide.info/bridgnorth_events/index.shtml
7. Blakesley Hall's vintage and handmade fair
Sat 4 May: 12pm-4pm
Find fabulous vintage goodies and handcrafted treasures in the historical surroundings of Blakesley Hall. As well as being free the traditional tearoom will be selling much needed tea and cake after rummaging through the retro styles and fishing out a bargain – literally shop til you drop.
www.bmag.org.uk/blakesley-hall
8. Eastnor Castle Chilli Festival
Sun 5 – Mon 6 May: 11am Sunday till 4.30pm Monday
In its second year Eastnor boasts more entertainment, stalls and fun, obviously selling everything chilli including chutneys, chocolate and wine. There's live entertainment from Los Squideros with their Latin beats and Pantasy Steel playing traditional Carribean music. Cookery demonstrations from local chefs will be taking place and a chilli eating competition – can you handle the heat?
9. Weston Park's Spring plant fair
Sun 5 – Mon 6 May: 10am-4pm
Whether you are a green fingered pro or just potter around the garden there are a number of nurseries attending for the plant hunter's fair. Nurseries are happy to offer tips and advice on selecting the right plants for the time of year and on how to keep them looking great.
10. Stratford Festival of Motoring
Sun 5 – Mon 6 May
Centred around Stratford town the festival will give members of the public the opportunity to view for free, vehicles from a range of manufacturers and ages such as Ferrari, Lambourghini, Maserati, Spyker, Brabus, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Lotus and Bentley. There will also be two featured 'runs' through the Warwickshire and Gloucestershire countryside for all entrants, with a number of prizes presented on Monday afternoon.
www.shakespeare-country.co.uk/Stratford-Festival-Of-Motoring.aspx
Let us know about any other Bank Holiday events inthe comments box below.
By Jody Ball
